Singletons and loved-up couples may be wondering which movies to watch this Valentine's Day.

But when it comes to the silver screen's long-term romance with love, many directors have got it wrong. (Scroll to see gallery).

Sleepless in Seattle with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan is a common choice but, drenched in schmaltz, it should come with a nausea warning.

Usual date suspect Casablanca is a much wiser bet, crackling with wit, style and erotic energy in much the same vein as Catherine Deneuve does in kitsch delight The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.

If you’re feeling extra bitter this year, Blue Valentine is the anti-14 February movie for you. Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams star in a brilliantly-acted but ultimately bleak study of a relationship in good times and bad.